Sparkle in the Rain is the sixth studio album by Simple Minds, released on 6 February 1984. A breakthrough commercial success for the band, the record peaked at number one in the UK Albums Chart on 18 February 1984, and reached the top 20 in numerous other countries around the world, including New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Australia. Receiving mostly positive reviews in the United Kingdom and the United States, Sparkle in the Rain was ultimately certified double platinum in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry, and significantly increased media interest in the band.
Scotland’s Simple Minds get creative and passionate on Sparkle in the Rain, their seventh album released prior to their mid-’80s heyday of heralding the charts. Produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Morrissey, XTC, Psychedelic Furs), Sparkle in the Rain marks the band’s best effort thus far, capturing thick seascapes of illustrious lyrical visions. Frontman Jim Kerr’s anthemic love songs are political and personal, and synth-beats throb over Charlie Burchill’s new wave third-chord guitars and swooning basslines. Songs like “Waterfront” and “Book of Brilliant Things” are finely cut tracks with Simple Minds’ signature harking, but the glossy verse behind “Up on the Catwalk” is what’s most appealing. Piano vibes are pinch-hitting and Kerr’s songwriting thrives on celebrity and the falling grace that coincides that. Sparkle in the Rain is a glimpse of what’s to come from Simple Minds. Kerr’s heart-wrenching vocals soar and such emotion only leads to earning a global following. Like U2 did with 1984’s The Unforgettable Fire, Simple Minds will touch hearts by stripping their soul. The process has already begun on Sparkle in the Rain. -MacKenzie Wilson
Tracklist:
1 Up On The Catwalk 4:46
2 Book Of Brilliant Things 4:23
3 Speed Your Love To Me 4:25
4 Waterfront 4:50
5 East At Easter 3:33
6 Street Hassle 5:16
7 White Hot Day 4:34
8 “C” Moon Cry Like A Baby 4:21
9 The Kick Inside Of Me 4:50
10 Shake Off The Ghosts 3:59
The blu-ray ‘pure audio’ include:
– A brand new Steven Wilson 5.1 surround sound mix of the album
– A brand new Steven Wilson STEREO remix of Sparkle in the Rain
which like the 5.1 was created from the multi-track tapes.
– The original 1984 mix newly remastered at Abbey Road by Andrew Walter.
Personnel:
Jim Kerr – vocals
Charlie Burchill – acoustic and electric guitars
Derek Forbes – bass, vocals
Mel Gaynor – drums, vocals
Mick MacNeil – keyboards, vocals
Additional:
Kirsty MacColl – voice on “Speed Your Love To Me” and “Street Hassle”
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